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The function and institutional embeddedness of Polytechnics in the Indian education system

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  • Schneider, Sebastian
  • Pilz, Matthias

Abstract

Purpose: India's Polytechnics are a fundamental part of its (vocational) education and training system but are largely ignored in VET research. Understanding the status quo and potential of India's (vocational) education landscape requires an understanding of the role played by the Polytechnics, particularly in view of the Indian government's major efforts to implement a functioning VET system. Because little is known about the function and embeddedness of the Polytechnics the article therefore aims to examine how polytechnics are embedded in the Indian education and training system and what functions they perform for the actors within the system. Methods: The article begins by describing the systemic embeddedness of Polytechnics in the Indian education system and demonstrates their role and function in relation to a range of stakeholder groups (individuals, employers, society and the economy). Problem-centred face-to-face interviews Interviews were conducted with the principals of 14 Polytechnics in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai, among other cities. Semi-standardized interview guidelines were used to conduct the interviews. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The results show that polytechnics perform various functions in the Indian education system. The Polytechnics teach both theoretical and practical skills, which is a special feature of the Indian system at this level. Qualification takes place at an intermediate level, which means that graduates have the opportunity to enter a company after graduation, where they can hold a kind of supervisor position. It is precisely these employees that are increasingly being sought by Indian companies. In addition, polytechnics provide a pathway to higher education, so students can use the opportunity to switch to a college once they have their diploma at the Polytechnic. Furthermore, the Polytechnics offers its graduates a good opportunity to become self-employed through the wide range of specializations and the practice-oriented skill development. In addition, the Polytechnics offer numerous opportunities to promote socially disadvantaged groups. Conclusion: The survey findings illustrate the importance of Polytechnics to the various stakeholder groups, demonstrating their 'multidimensional bridging function' within the Indian education and training system.

Suggested Citation

  • Schneider, Sebastian & Pilz, Matthias, 2019. "The function and institutional embeddedness of Polytechnics in the Indian education system," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 6(3), pages 284-308.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ijrvet:213362
    DOI: 10.13152/IJRVET.6.3.5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thelen,Kathleen, 2004. "How Institutions Evolve," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521546744.
    2. Thelen,Kathleen, 2004. "How Institutions Evolve," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521837682.
    3. Busemeyer,Marius R., 2014. "Skills and Inequality," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107062931.
    4. Hall, Peter A. & Taylor, Rosemary C. R., 1996. "Political science and the three new institutionalisms," MPIfG Discussion Paper 96/6, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Pilz & Julia Regel, 2021. "Vocational Education and Training in India: Prospects and Challenges from an Outside Perspective," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 15(1), pages 101-121, February.
    2. Ramasamy, Muthuveeran & Regel, Julia & Sharma, Harshil & Rajagopalan, Anjana & Pilz, Matthias, 2021. "Measuring quality in Indian VET institutions: Development steps towards a framework adapted to the national context," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 8(4), pages 44-66.

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